Key Stats
- Annual revenue reached $275.2 billion in fiscal year 2025, reflecting 8.17% year-over-year growth
- Market capitalization stands at approximately $405 billion as of December 2025
- Costco operates over 890 warehouse locations in 15 countries worldwide
- Membership base exceeds 137 million cardholders with a 90% renewal rate
- The company ranks as the third-largest retailer globally and 11th on the Fortune 500
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates membership warehouses that offer members low prices on a limited selection of nationally branded and private-label products. The company runs warehouses across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and several other countries. Costco targets small-to-medium-sized businesses and individual consumers seeking bulk purchasing options.
Each warehouse carries product categories including groceries, appliances, electronics, automotive supplies, jewelry, apparel, and office equipment. The retailer also operates gas stations at many locations and offers its popular Kirkland Signature private-label brand. Costco changed its name from Costco Cos., Inc. to Costco Wholesale Corp. on August 30, 1999, maintaining headquarters in Issaquah, Washington.
Costco Wholesale Corp. History
Costco Wholesale Corp. Co-founders
Former Price Club executive who co-founded Costco in 1983. Sinegal served as CEO until 2012 and developed the company’s value-focused business model and employee-centric culture.
Seattle attorney and entrepreneur who partnered with Sinegal to launch Costco. Brotman served as Chairman until his passing in 2017, guiding corporate governance and expansion strategies.
Costco Wholesale Corp. Revenue
Costco generated $275.2 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025, marking an 8.17% increase from the previous year. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the past decade driven by membership expansion and international store openings.
Costco Wholesale Corp. Competitors
Costco faces competition from warehouse clubs, traditional retailers, and e-commerce platforms. Sam’s Club operates as the primary direct competitor in the membership warehouse segment. General merchandise retailers including Walmart and Target compete across multiple product categories.
| Competitor | Type | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Sam’s Club | Warehouse Club | Lower membership fees, Walmart ownership |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | Warehouse Club | Accepts manufacturer coupons, East Coast focus |
| Walmart | General Retailer | No membership required, broader store network |
| Amazon | E-commerce | Online convenience, Prime delivery benefits |
| Target | General Retailer | Upscale positioning, trend-forward merchandise |
| Kroger | Grocery Chain | Grocery focus, loyalty programs |
| Home Depot | Home Improvement | Specialized home and garden products |
| Best Buy | Electronics Retailer | Electronics expertise, in-store experience |
| Aldi | Discount Grocery | Low prices without membership fees |
| Dollar Tree | Discount Retailer | Fixed price point, convenience locations |
Costco Wholesale Corp. Marketcap
Costco maintains a market capitalization of approximately $405 billion as of December 2025, ranking as the 24th most valuable company globally. The stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol COST.
Costco Wholesale Corp. Acquisitions
Costco has pursued strategic acquisitions throughout its history to expand market presence and operational capabilities. The 1993 merger with Price Club stands as the most significant deal in company history. This combination created a retail powerhouse with over 200 warehouse locations generating $16 billion in annual sales.
The Price Club merger brought together two pioneers of the warehouse club concept. Sol Price founded Price Club in 1976 in San Diego, while James Sinegal launched Costco in Seattle in 1983. Both companies faced pressure from Sam’s Club expansion, making the merger a strategic necessity. The combined entity operated as PriceCostco until reverting to the Costco name in 1997.
In 2020, Costco completed its first major acquisition in over a decade by purchasing Innovel Solutions for $1 billion. Innovel provided delivery logistics, warehousing, and installation services for large items. The acquisition brought an extensive distribution network including over 1,100 trucks across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
The Innovel purchase strengthened Costco’s e-commerce capabilities during the pandemic period. The company gained white-glove delivery and installation services for furniture and appliances. This allowed Costco to handle deliveries of bulky items in-house rather than through third-party providers, improving customer experience and operational control.
Costco has generally favored organic growth over acquisitions compared to competitors like Safeway or other grocery retailers. The company focuses on opening new warehouse locations and expanding internationally. This strategy has allowed Costco to maintain consistent operating standards across all locations while preserving its distinct corporate culture.
FAQs
When was Costco founded?
Costco opened its first warehouse in Seattle in 1983. However, the company’s history traces back to 1976 when Price Club, which later merged with Costco, opened in San Diego.
Who founded Costco Wholesale Corp.?
James D. Sinegal and Jeffrey H. Brotman co-founded Costco in 1983. Sinegal previously worked at Price Club, where he learned the warehouse club business model.
How many Costco warehouses exist worldwide?
Costco operates over 890 warehouse locations across 15 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Australia, and China.
What is Costco’s annual revenue?
Costco generated $275.2 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025. The company has achieved consistent revenue growth averaging over 7% annually over the past decade.
What is Kirkland Signature?
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private-label brand offering products across categories including groceries, household items, clothing, and appliances. The brand name comes from Costco’s former headquarters location.